BROCKHAMPTON rocketed to fame after it released its first three albums or trilogy “SATURATION.” The boy band of 11 has been through quite the whirlwind since it began its journey to fame. Just as it began to climb to the top of the music world, allegations of sexual and verbal abuse from now ex-member Ameer Vann halted its progress. This led to the bad making lots of hard decisions in a short period of time. They rightfully parted ways with Vann and released a statement saying that they do not tolerate abuse of any kind.
Clearly the boys needed time to figure out what BROCKHAMPTON would be without its 12th member, but it didn’t take long until they found their stride and came back stronger than ever.
BROCKHAMPTON’s break from the public eye and tour was the perfect time to work on its first album without Vann, a member whose face was the album art of its first three albums. The release and reception of the album was pivotal for the future success of BROCKHAMPTON.
“Iridescence” is the beginning of a new trilogy for BROCKHAMPTON, and it couldn’t have picked a better place to start. The album is crisper and cleaner than the SATURATION trilogy, which most likely has to do with the band’s new contract with RCA Records for more than $15 million. It will make six albums over three years, and fans can already see a world of difference from the SATURATION trilogy to the beginning of this new series.
The album starts with “New Orleans,” which gives most of the band a chance to reintroduce themselves.The beat is very reminiscent to “SICKO MODE” in Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD. Just like “Sicko Mode,” “New Orleans” is broken up and can be seen as multiple tracks in one.
BROCKHAMPTON isn’t afraid to vocally manipulate its music, and “Thug Life” seems to do this perfectly. High pitched voices deliver a meaningful message about depression and self-loathing. The band has always found ways to talk about intense subjects while keeping its music upbeat and catchy.“Weight” is another great example of the band using personal issues at the forefront of its songs. .
Kevin Abstract talks about his childhood and his journey to self-acceptance with his sexuality. Abstract has always been open about his sexuality in his own music, so hearing it reflected in BROCKHAMPTON’s album makes it nice to learn more about him and his childhood.
Toward the end of the album, the band tunes into its roots of hard core hip-hop with a pinch of pop. You can really hear BROCKHAMPTON’s signature style in the tracks “J’ouvert” and “Vivid.” The songs are faster and more intense. The boys seem to really find their flow when they angrily rap, which is part of what made them blow up as a group.
“Iridescence” is an album that shows the benefits of what a lack of privacy and controversy can do to a band. In this album, the band goes into new territory without one of its lead singers and it pays off. BROCKHAMPTON has proved to the public it can survive anything and it is more than capable of success.
